A question for Native American speakers.
Does the word sobriety in America or in some contexts communities mean more than just "sober" or "solemn" Does or can it have a deeper meaning = religious, pious, chaste similar to a biblical context. As in some communities regard being sober or sobriety to be acting in a decent christian manner.

This meaning if it ever existed has gone from hoe British speakers understand or use the word sobriety.

Question

A question for Native American speakers. 
Does the word sobriety in America or in some contexts communities mean more than just "sober"  or "solemn" Does or can it have a deeper meaning = religious, pious, chaste similar to a biblical context. As in some communities regard being sober or sobriety to be acting in a decent christian manner.

This meaning if it ever existed has gone from hoe British speakers understand or use the word sobriety.

Answer

Hi John,

"Sobriety" did have the religious aspect that you described in your OP.  "Sober" and "sobriety" are used quite a bit in the King James bible. It refers to behaviour and dress, etc. I would imagine that within certain groups in UK society it might be possible to hear people still using the word in this way (but as you said it's rare).
It seems to me that the idea is very closely linked to the beliefs of many of the early religious settlers who left Britain seeking religious freedoms in America. Given that the USA is a more religious country than the UK, and that the population is much bigger, I wouldn't be at all surprised if a large number (but maybe not a large percentage) of people do use the word with the religious connection. In fact, if you google it you'll find some nice internet rabbit holes to go down. I think it's an example of a sort of sociolect meaning.

Answer

Occasionally, "sober" is used to mean serious, stern or somber; but usually "sober" and "sobriety" are just used to talk abstaining from alcohol or not being under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants.

Answer

‘Sobriety’ still has the connotation of being uncorrupted or pure in a religious context, which is absent in everyday use. And that sense contributes to the adjectival meaning of the word. E.g. sober reflection’ is reflection that isn’t influenced by unworthy or unnatural motives.

Answer

In society at large, no. ‘Sobriety’ describes a state of not being influenced by drugs or alcohol. But religions themselves sometimes use it in a more general sense to convey a state of being pure and uncorrupted. That sense exists in the adjectival form. So ‘sober reflection’ is thinking about something with your best self, not influenced by corrupting factors.

Answer

When religions themselves advocate ‘sobriety’ there is the connotation that it is a purer, more natural, state of being. That could vaguely encompass other sinful addictions.

So it’s different than what the police are looking for when administering a ‘sobriety test’ on a driver -  the immediate absence of impairment from drugs or alcohol.

I don’t think you would hear the first use outside of a religious context, though.